Bawa rules out threats on O’Neill

 POLICE are unaware of any threats to the safety of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill when he arrived in Port Moresby from China on China.

National Capital District metropolitan commander Supt Andy Bawa said police and government dignitaries were at Jackson Airport on Saturday to welcome him after his trip to China.

“I am aware of policemen being at the airport on Saturday night but they were on hand to receive prime minister and have him escorted to his residence,” Bawa said.

There was a heavy police presence outside the international airport terminal at around 7.30pm. O’Neill was then escorted by police vehicles and Government officials to his residence in downtown Port Moresby.

The chief of staff at the PM’s office Isaac Lupari said those spreading such “rumours” were only trying to cause confusion and create instability. He described the rumours – that O’Neill would be placed under house arrest by members of the PNG Defence Force on his return from China – as “nonsense and irresponsible”.

Lupari said O’Neill was met at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion, Cabinet ministers, Chief Secretary Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc, Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga and Defence Force commander Brig-Gen Francis Agwi.

Lupari said O’Neill would today prepare for the November sitting of Parliament beginning at 2pm tomorrow.

He hailed the brief visit to China as a success which enhanced the relationship between the two countries.